NZI Rural Women Business Awards 2026 Category Winners Revealed
Rural Women New Zealand has announced the winners of the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards.
Kirby is an experienced chief executive across member organisations and the not-for-profit sector, most recently as chief executive of Physiotherapy New Zealand and Arthritis New Zealand.
She started with Rural Women New Zealand on 18th November.
Kirby says she is honoured to join RWNZ in such an auspicious year.
“With a strong foundation of innovation and passionate people, I look forward to building on the legacy that supports future generations of rural women,” she says.
RWNZ national president Sandra Matthews says it's great to have Kirby onboard.
"She brings extensive experience from her previous roles, and a career comprising of over two decades dedicated to service and improving the lives of others," Matthews says.
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"It's been a huge year for Rural Women New Zealand, celebrating our Centennial and growing our National Office," she says. "Now we have Sandra as our chief executive, I can't wait to see what we achieve for rural women and communities across Aotearoa."
Matthews says she thanks interim chief executive Nicola Eccleton for her contribution to the organisation over the past six months.
"Nicola joined the team during a huge period of transformation, as new staff were onboarded and our strategy updated," she says. "She has been a key part of our renewed direction that leads the organisation into the next 100 years."
